Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D.

The department currently offers the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in mechanical engineering. The department does not have a language requirement for the Ph.D. degree.

The program of courses and research for both the master’s and doctoral degrees is tailored to the background, needs and interests of the individual student.

Both Plan A (requiring the completion of a thesis) and Plan B (nonthesis) master’s degree programs are available. All master’s degree candidates are initially accepted into Plan B, but may be invited to complete Plan A in cooperation with a faculty research advisor. Graduate students in Plan A are eligible to apply for teaching assistantships. Current areas of research include:

• Nuclear Waste Transportation Safety
• Heat Transfer Augmentation
• Fluid-Solid Interaction
• Viscoelasticity
• Biofluid/Solid Mechanics
• Fluid Mechanics
• Temperature Control of Electronic Devices
• Thermodynamics
• Solar Energy Collection and Systems
• Mechanics of Fiber-reinforced Composites
• Manufacturing Processes
• Gas Turbine Engine Heat Transfer
• Sports Biomechanics
• Dynamics of Ground Vehicles
• Computer Aided Design
• Intelligent Materials and Systems
• Active Structural Control
• Geothermal Heating and Power Production

For more information, refer to the Graduate School  section of this catalog or contact the department chair.